Skin discoloration is a common problem whereby some people may develop black spots or red patches on the skin. There are some spots that can raise a lot of concern since they can result in an infection.

Get more insight about the causes of white spots on the skin, how sun exposure leads to white spots development, dry spots, best cream for white spots and other ways of getting rid of white spots.

What Causes White Spots On Skin

White Spots On Skin Causes Include:

white spots on skin

Malnutrition

Malnutrition according to research shows that it leads to the development of white or black spots on the skin of a person. There are some vital minerals and elements such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E that help in maintaining healthy skin.

Insufficiency of these minerals and elements can result in the appearance of white patches on the skin. Although these changes in skin appearance are harmless, it is important to note that eating a properly balanced diet will help to curb developments of these spots.

Adopt a properly balanced diet and even consult a professional dermatologist to help in the treatment of white patches or spots that have been infected.

Nevus Depigmentosus

The skin problem results in the development of white spots that are permanent and stable as compared to those spots that occur due to vitiligo. It makes the hairs that are found on the skin to completely turn white since the skin is not totally achromatic.

Hypopigmentation

This condition results in loss of skin color. The skin problem occurs the cells known as melanocytes for producing skin pigment get depleted or as a result of a decrease in tyrosine amino acid in the outer layer of the skin.

The insufficiencies of the mentioned elements result in a reduction in production of melanin enhance the white spots on skin occurs due to depletion of melanin in the skin outer layer.

Pityriasis Alba

The condition that results in loss of skin color is quite common teenagers and children. The white spots are mainly marked by being dry, scaly white patches on facial skin in most cases. During the summer season, the spots are quite visible due to skin tanning.

Also, during winter seasons the white patches on the skin are more of being scaly and dry. Sometimes a person may experience the formation of red spots that turn to pale at a later stage. These blemishes are quite common in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, and face.

Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis

The skin problem results in the appearance of white spots that are flat in shape and somehow similar to asidiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. Some of these blemishes can be smooth and scaly to some extent. The condition is quite common among women and people with fair skin tone. Also, people of dark skin can develop these spots.

The appearance of these spots is usually associated with aging and sometimes due to hereditary factors. The spots are quite common the regions that are exposed to the sun for long hours like the face, forearms, shoulders, and shins.

Tinea Versicolor

This is a skin condition that is common and it is known to be caused by the yeast known as Malassezia which cohabit on the surface of the skin. The overgrowths of the yeast are triggered by the moist, warm, and oily skin which causes the development of red-brown spots.

Tinea Versicolor

There are also some factors that are known to stimulate an overgrowth of yeast on the skin that result in the development of white spots. These factors are; warm and humid climate, excessive sweating, oily skin, malnutrition, pregnancy, medications such as corticosteroids.

It is recommended to consult a dermatologist if the symptoms keep on recurring and in the case of mild cases the use of antifungal medications such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole may be used to treat the infection.

Vitiligo

The condition results in loss of skin melanin. When melanocytes cells are damaged or destructed, the skin of a person loses its pigment. There are certain autoimmune diseases that are said to be known of getting rid of these melanocytes cells.

These spots are quite common in the body folds and the region of the body that are exposed to the atmosphere. The condition can also be observed in the areas that were previously exposed to the injuries or trauma.

Lichen Sclerosis

The condition mainly happens on the skin around the vulva, penis or anus. The condition is marked by skin thinning and appearance of white patches that are visible. These patches may sometimes be localized at one particular place or keep on spreading to the adjacent area.

Morphea

The condition results in thickening and hardening of the outer layer of the skin. The research shows that the condition may cause the appearance of red and purple patches on the surface of the skin, especially on the torso, arms, and legs. The color of the spots keeps on changing from red, to brown and finally white.

Skin Damage

This could be due to burns, infections or a problem with a laser. Use of laser treatment without proper treatment can result in the development of white bumps on the skin. Hair removal and scars removal should only be done by a specialist since the activity is on the rise in the today’s world.

Nevus Achromicus

The condition results in hypopigmented or depigmented skin areas that are generally marked by white spots on skin development. The condition is caused by the destruction of cells producing melanin. These white or light colored spots are permanent, inborn, unlike vitiligo.

Vitamins & Microelements Deficiencies

Components of vitamin such as vitamin D, E, B12 play an important role in determining the health of the skin. Their lack or insufficiencies in the diet can result in the appearance of white spots. Adoption of a proper diet will help to cease these blemishes on the skin.

Eczema

The skin problem results in the development of red and painful rashes on the surface of the skin. Although it happens on the skin of children, it can also continue up to adulthood. An individual suffering from the condition may experience the development of white patches.

Milia

The skin is made of a protein substance known as keratin and according to experts; it has been proven that excessive accumulation of these substances on the outer layer of the skin can get trapped in the skin pores.

In the process of accumulation, the skin will begin to form tiny white-colored cysts which are seen in most occasions among children and even the newborns. An individual may also experience the formation of white spots on the skin due to a burn, sun damage, or poison ivy.

Poikiloderma of Civatte

This is a chronic skin condition or problem that is caused by excessive or prolonged exposure to the sun. The spots are harmless and non-cancerous. The condition usually results in the development of white patches and it is also known to affect individuals with fair-skinned adults.

White Spots on Skin from Tanning

According to studies, people with the habit of frequent tanning on the bed are likely to experience the appearance of white spots that are more visible especially to people with tan skin tone.

Some of the common causes of white spots on the skin from tanning include:

Scars

Scar tissues are the common cause of white spots on the body. The scarred region does not have melanin making it hard to scarred surface by tanning. Also, some bites from insects can result in the appearance of white spots in case they are surgically treated.

Skin Sensitivity

There are certain medications that are known to increase the sensitivity of the skin and the skin’s natural reaction to UV light. Therefore, it is important to get advice from a physician or pharmacist about the side effects of sun after using the drugs.

Genetic

Most white spots appearances are linked to genetic properties. Prolonged exposure to strong UV rays from the sun can trigger the immune system to produce less melanin in the skin cells and in the process, you may experience white spots development.

White Spots On Skin Fungus

In the event that tanning in a tanning bed, growth could be the reason for your white spots. Tanning beds are known to be reproducing reason for parasite because of the way that they are regularly moist situations where many bodies have sweat and interact with a similar surface.

fungal infection

Once the tanning lights are off, microscopic organisms can duplicate in the obscured, moist space. While it’s not precisely clear how frequently parasite is contracted from tanning informal lodging tanning salons have strict sanitation strategies, it merits looking at with your specialist in case you’re suspicious.

Small White Spots On Arms

Have you noticed small, white, pimple-like bumps on the back of your arms? In case those small spots on the arms are not becoming large in size or spreading, there is no need to worry. Some of the common causes of these types of blemishes include the following:

Keratosis pilaris

Vitiligo

Tinea Versicolor

Post inflammatory hypopigmentation caused by skin lightening

allergic reactions to certain foods and medicines

White Spots On Face of Child

The appearance of white spots on the facial skin of children under the age of 16years in quite common and it raises concern among many family members. These white patches are caused by many factors where some are mild and others are extreme.

Some of the common causes include:

Pityriasis Alba

This is one of the common causes of white spots on the face that appear due to temporary cosmetic impairment. The spots become more visible during summer seasons due to skin tanning by the sun. Children suffering from eczema are more susceptible to getting this condition.

Lack of iron in the diet, poor skin hygiene and prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun plays a vital role in stimulating the development of these skin blemishes.

Pityriasis Versicolor

This skin condition is caused by fungi and it is said to be common in areas where the weather is more hot and humid. The skin problem happens at any age but most teenagers are more susceptible to getting the problem.

Vitiligo Vulgaris

In medical term, it is also known as leukoderma. It occurs as white patches on any part of the body. The exact cause of the skin problem is still unknown but most experts believed it is caused by autoimmune skin diseases.

The autoimmune disease that destroys the melanocytes and causes the white patches, therefore some of the common conditions that lead to the appearance of white spots or patches on the skin include; diabetes, thyroid problems and certain forms of anemia.

White Spots On My Neck

There are so many reasons behind the appearance of white dots on the neck skin that keep on spreading to the adjacent areas. These blemishes according to experts not only affect the neck region but they can also the other parts of the body.

white spots on the neck

What causes blackheads or white spots on the back of the neck? Here are some of the common causes of white spots on the neck regardless of your age or the race. They include:

Fungal infections

Vitiligo

Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun

Insufficiencies of vitamin B12 in the diet

Skin tanning

Autoimmune diseases

Effect of pregnancies

Bleach Spots on Skin

Skin lightening is more popular nowadays to enable an individual to attain a fairer skin complexion that is glowing. These skin bleaching products contain some chemical contents that inhibit melanin production and make the skin appear lighter.

To some extent, these products have some negative side effects if not used or handle with proper care and precautions. An individual may experience skin burning, development of rashes and appearance of white patches on the skin.

Here are some ways to prevent such a circumstance from happening to the skin. These ways include:

Do not bleach a dry skin since these skin lightening products contain chemicals that dry the skin further and may also trigger the formation of rashes.

Do not bleach the skin more frequently.

Avoid direct exposure to sunlight after applying the lightening cream on the face for about 8 hours.

Do not bleach the skin after a hot and steamy shower.

Do not use soap or any facial washing detergents after applying the bleaching cream on the facial skin.

Use a well-hydrated soothing moisturizer after bleaching to avoid skin dryness and itching effect.

White Spots on Skin Pictures

Most of the pictures in this article try to bring out the underlying causes of white spots or white patches on the skin. It is important to study them carefully so that it is easier to identify the cause of the white spots on the skin.

Some of the common causes of white spots on the skin shown by the pictures or images in this article include the following:

Tinea Versicolor

Lichen sclerosus

Eczema

Pityriasis alba

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Vitiligo

Cream for White Spots on Skin

Can eczema be white patches? What causes brown spots on the skin? What the best creams of getting rid of white or red or blackheads on the skin? Some of the common creams to use in treating white spots include:

Resist Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25

Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

How to Get Rid Of White Spots On Skin

Some of the common ways to help get rid of white spots on the skin include:

treatment of white spots

White Spots On Skin Treatment

These treatments include:

Topical creams

These creams are only prescribed by a professional dermatologist since the cream works by bleaching the skin so that the area affected looks similar to the surrounding. Some of the common creams prescribed the dermatologist are corticosteroids, glycolic acid, azelaic acid and L-Scorbic acid (vitamin C).

Light treatments

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments and laser treatments happen to be the only treatments that help to reduce the appearance of white spots visibility on the skin. They cause some damage on the skin in order to encourage the growth of new skin collagen in the affected region.

Prescription medications

These medications are only done by a professional in the medical area and they are aimed at reducing the appearance of white spots. The medical professional will examine the underlying cause of the white spots development before administering the drugs.

Dermabrasion

It is the only treatment that has been recommended to get rid of white spots on the skin by some group of professional dermatologists. Dermabrasion works by scrubbing or exfoliating the outer layer of the skin in order to get rid of the blemishes. It works well with the skin of the face.

Natural Remedies for White Spots on Skin

These natural remedies include:

Coconut Oil Massage

The coconut oil is used to treatment of white spots or black spots on the skin. The use of lotions or creams made of coconut oils helps to moisturize the skin and improves blood circulation. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Directions

Using the coconut oils, massage the affected skin on a daily basis

Allow the oil to stay on the skin overnight

Continue with the steps until the symptoms disappear

Aloe Vera

The gel of the plant is known to have healing properties and nutrients that help to get rid of white spots and keep your skin hydrated.

Directions

Cut open the leaf and extract the gel present inside.

Apply this on the affected area and leave it for a few hours.

Ammi Visnaga

According to the studies and some health publications, it is said to contain some component of khellin that is helpful in getting rid of white spots on the skin that are caused by vitiligo.

Essential Oils

Some of the common essential oils include:

Frankincense Essential Oil

This oil is recommended in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine to help in getting rid of white pimples or black spots on the skin caused by psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo.

Black Pepper Essential Oil

It contains piperine that is said to be used in the activation of the inactive melanocytes thus bring to normal the skin color and disappearance of white spots.

Bergamot Essential Oil

It plays a role of natural photosensitizer that helps to increase the sensitivity of the skin to UV light and also promote the production of melanin of the skin.

Tea Tree Oil

It has the ability to darken white spots caused by vitiligo since it is marked by properties of being immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory.

Piece Of Papaya

It contains carotene that helps to restore skin pigment and also revive melanin production. Rub the piece of papaya directly on the white spots and allow it to stay for about 20minutes. Rinse the area with cold water.

​Ginger

It helps to improve blood circulation in the body and in the process helps to get rid of white spots that are caused by vitiligo. Place a paste of ginger on the affected area for sometimes and also it is advisable to drink plenty of juice from the mixture of ginger and mint leaves for some days.

Red Clay

The research shows that the clay has a high content of copper minerals. Mix some of the amount of red clay with ginger juice and paste It on the affected site of the skin. All it to dry on the skin and then wash it. Repeat the process daily until there is an improvement.

Ginkgo Biloba

The herb according to experts is said to have antioxidant properties that help to boost the immune system of the body. It can also be used to restore the skin pigment that has been lost due to various skin conditions.